Congratulations to 8th grader Emily Mallard for taking home the top prize in the state for the SIFMA Foundation's InvestWrite Competition! Emily was one of several students who participated in Arcola’s inaugural year of The Stock Market Game, led by teacher Ms. Jamie Davis.

The InvestWrite Essay Challenge is the culmination of the SIFMA Foundation's Stock Market Game, a simulation where students manage a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio. This year's essay prompt challenged students to look 10 years into the future and explain how they would diversify their investments.

Emily wowed thousands of financial professional judges by turning her real-world market experience into a masterful, long-term plan. Her essay focused on the rollercoaster of market swings, her best and worst investments, and the crucial roles of asset allocation, risk management and long-term discipline. 

On June 10, 2026, Emily, her teacher Ms. Davis, Principal Dr. Ewerth and two of her classmates celebrated her accomplishments as she was honored virtually by the SIFMA Foundation and the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education. 

We are so proud of Emily for representing Arcola so brilliantly and taking 1st place in the state for her essay!